Even if you are not familiar with Austen you will enjoy this novel. I have read several spinoffs of other novels and have, for the most part, been disappointed. But not in this case.
Charlotte Lucas is an interesting and pragmatic character as she is presented in the original novel. Here her story is taken up with due attention to the period but also with an eye on the wider concerns of women in general. As Charlotte worries for the future of her daughters in a patriarchal society, struggles with the loss of a child and her position as a cleric’s wife, we come to understand that life, even for upper middle class women of the time, was fraught with anxieties.
Charlotte provides the centre of consciousness in the work and rightly so. given her nature she is prey to others’ confidences. The dialogue is convincingly written. There is none of that ‘faux’ regency style adopted by some. Here the writer does adopt a formality of style which suits the subject matter very well.
This is a novel which stands alone. You will find Charlotte endearing, but also quite a role model even for today’s reader. There is the character of Mr Collins to consider. Having read ‘Pride and Prejudice’ I was not convinced by him here. For that reason I have awarded 4 stars. If however you have not read the original this may not be an issue. This may even inspire you to read the original.
Charlotte Lucas is an interesting and pragmatic character as she is presented in the original novel. Here her story is taken up with due attention to the period but also with an eye on the wider concerns of women in general. As Charlotte worries for the future of her daughters in a patriarchal society, struggles with the loss of a child and her position as a cleric’s wife, we come to understand that life, even for upper middle class women of the time, was fraught with anxieties.
Charlotte provides the centre of consciousness in the work and rightly so. given her nature she is prey to others’ confidences. The dialogue is convincingly written. There is none of that ‘faux’ regency style adopted by some. Here the writer does adopt a formality of style which suits the subject matter very well.
This is a novel which stands alone. You will find Charlotte endearing, but also quite a role model even for today’s reader. There is the character of Mr Collins to consider. Having read ‘Pride and Prejudice’ I was not convinced by him here. For that reason I have awarded 4 stars. If however you have not read the original this may not be an issue. This may even inspire you to read the original.